Customizable and reconfigurable virtual instrument panel

ABSTRACT

The invention provides an instrument control panel that is easily customized and reconfigured, and yet provides the familiar tactile sensation of physical knobs, sliders, and buttons. The instrument control panel comprises one or more interface components that are removably coupled to an interface display wherein the interface components communicate with one or more control components disposed behind the interface display. The present invention lends itself particularly well to an instrument panel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/422,793, filed Apr. 13, 2009, the entirety of which isincorporated herein by this reference thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The invention relates to the field of controlling a graphical userinterface. Specifically, the invention relates to providing customizableand reconfigurable physical controls for controlling a graphical userinterface.

2. Description of the Related Art

Modern media products have increasingly been designed to be digital.Likewise, the controls associated with digital media products havebecome increasingly sophisticated and their user interfaces have becomemore complicated. For example, it is sometimes difficult to locate andnavigate media controls on modern media receivers.

The difficulty in navigating multimedia devices is compounded when oneattempts to access a multimedia device in a vehicle. Averting one's eyesfrom the road and surrounding environment to access a complicated mediauser interface presents a significant danger to the driver andpassengers, as well as to the occupants of other vehicles. These moderndigital media devices do not provide adequate user-friendliness, suchthat a driver can access the full functionality of the device withoutaverting his eyes from the road.

Instrument panels in modern vehicles have become increasingly crowded,often introducing an undesirable level of distraction to the driver.Despite this increasing level of sophistication, vehicles cannot easilybe customized to an individual driver's tastes. Given the innate desireof humans to customize environments in which they live and work, this isa serious shortcoming.

To address these deficiencies, several automobile manufacturers haveintroduced glass cockpits, in which control interfaces are presented tothe driver on touch screen surfaces, such as LCD displays. These systemsallow the same dashboard real estate to be used for several differentcontrol interfaces. Each interface is displayed on an as needed basis,based on the context of the user interaction.

While the benefits this approach offer simplification and conservationof space within the dashboard, the interfaces presented are often noteasily reconfigured by the end user. Furthermore, many individualsdesire the haptic tactile sensation of more conventional analog mediadevices provided by actual needles, dials, and gauges. Many moderndigital media devices do not provide the tactile sensation offered byphysical control knobs, sliders, and buttons.

Several computer programs, such as LabView®, (manufactured by NationalInstruments, based in Austin, Tex.) allow a user to design customizedinterfaces by selecting knobs and sliders from a toolbox, placing themon a virtual instrument panel, and assigning the output of the knobs andsliders to other devices or functions. While such systems can bedesigned to be customizable, they still do not provide the tactilesensation of physical control knobs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides an instrument control panel that is easilycustomized and reconfigured, and yet provides the familiar tactilesensation of physical knobs, sliders, and buttons.

Additionally, disclosed is a technique for customizing the look and feelof a vehicle instrument panel. The customization addresses both thespecific functional needs and the personal tastes of particularpassengers and drivers. More specifically, the invention offers theadvantages of an LCD control panel, such as flexibility and easyreconfiguration, and provides the familiar look and feel of physicalindicators.

It should be noted that while the advantages of the invention are mosteasily seen in the context of a dashboard instrument panel, it may beapplied in other types of media interfaces, as well as other areas of avehicle, such as in headrest displays and other rear-passenger consoles.Additionally, the invention is applicable to all types of vehiclesincluding, without limitation, automobiles, boats, trains, airplanes andthe like.

In some embodiments of the invention, a stand-alone instrument panel isprovided with an interface display and one or more removable,customizable interface components. In some other embodiments, theinstrument panel is integrated into other devices, vehicles, etc. In apresently preferred embodiment of the invention, the interface displayis a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen.

In some embodiments of the invention, the interface components aremagnetically and/or inductively coupled with one or more encodersthrough the interface display. According to some of these embodiments,such encoders are inductively powered by movement of a mechanism in theinterface component and the encoder uses the induced power to generate asignal used to control a device. In other embodiments, the device iscontrolled by the interface components through the use of reflectivesensors, Hall Effect sensors, or other position determination means nowknown or later developed.

In some embodiments of the invention, a grid of encoders is providedwith a backing that can be coupled with the interface display, such thatone or more interface components are removably coupled to the front sideof the interface display and used to control a function of acorresponding device.

In some embodiments, the interface display and the interface componentscontrol a multimedia/audiovisual device. In other embodiments, theinterface display and the interface components control a GlobalPositioning System (GPS) apparatus. In yet other embodiments, theinterface display and the interface components control a hybridapparatus, including both an audiovisual device and a GPS apparatus.Although specific uses are provided, it will be readily apparent tothose with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure that a wide variety interfaced devices, now known or laterdeveloped, could be equally be controlled using the removable andcustomizable interface components according to the invention.

In some embodiments, the interface components comprise buttons, sliders,and/or other known tactile interface components. In the presentlypreferred embodiment, the reconfigurable and customizable interface isintegrated into the dashboard of a vehicle. However, it will be readilyapparent that other locations within a vehicle are equally applicable.

In some embodiments of the invention, one or more pre-packaged or customskins are provided for the interface display. According to theseembodiments, the skins ideally represent status attributes of thecontrolled device and/or the proper placement area for an interfacecomponent. Such skins can also designate user affinity to anorganization or may include advertising.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a customizable and reconfigurableinstrument panel according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2A is a schematic side view of a knob apparatus according to someembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of a processing circuit for aninterface display according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2C is a schematic side view of an alternative encoder apparatusaccording to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3A is a schematic side view of a specific implementation of areconfigurable interface display using a plurality of encoders, eachcoupled to an umbilical cord according to some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 3B is a schematic exploded isometric view of a reconfigurableinterface display with a backing grid of encoders according to someembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4A illustrates a controllable interface display and a grid ofencoders configured to control a radio according to some embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 4B illustrates another example of a controllable interface displayfor a GPS apparatus according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5A illustrates a side and front schematic view of a knob accordingto some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5B illustrates a side and front view of a button according to someembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5C is a schematic top and side view of a slider control accordingto some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6A is a schematic isometric representation of the front side of anLCD display interface with a plurality of interface componentscomprising a plurality of slider handles and a plurality of knobsaccording to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6B is a schematic isometric representation of the back side of theLCD display interface according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a control interface for a multimedia device with an LCDdisplay within the dashboard of an automobile, configured to becontrolled using removable, reconfigurable and customizable interfacecomponents according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8A is an equalizer themed skin comprising a display of variousfrequency response controls according to some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 8B illustrates a level adjustment themed skin according to someembodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 8C illustrates a radio tuner themed skin displaying tunerinformation according to some embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises a user interface that is easily customized andreconfigured, and yet provides the familiar tactile feel of physicalknobs, sliders, and buttons. The user interface comprises one or moreinterface components that are removably coupled to an interface surface.The interface components communicate with one or more control componentsdisposed behind the interface surface. In some embodiments of theinvention, the interface surface is substantially flat. In someembodiments the interface surface is passive, meaning it is not adisplay. In some other embodiments, the interface surface is furtherconfigured to display information. According to these embodiments, theinterface displays information related to the function of the interfacecomponents. The invention lends itself particularly well to aninstrument panel, for example in a vehicle, such as an automobile.

Customizable Instrument Panel

FIG. 1 illustrates the customizable and reconfigurable instrument panelaccording to some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 1 shows a mediadevice 100 having an interface display 199 and a number of staticinterface components: 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106. Customizableinterface components 107, 108, and 109 are removably coupled to theinterface. The removable interface components 107, 108, and 109 areconfigured to control one or more aspect of the media device 100. Insome embodiments of the invention, the interface surface does notnecessarily comprise a display.

In some embodiments of the invention, the media device 100 comprises amultimedia receiver that is coupled to an audiovisual output (notshown). According to these embodiments, the removable interfacecomponents 107, 108, and 109 control various functions of the multimediadevice, e.g. volume, terrestrial radio tuning, satellite radio tuning,balance, frequency response, etc.

The removable interface components 107, 108, and 109 are depicted asknobs. However, it will be readily apparent to those having ordinaryskill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that a number ofother interface components are equally applicable. For example and asexplained below, slider and button interface components are especiallyapplicable and useful in some embodiments of the invention.

In some embodiments of the invention, the user interface components 107,108, and 109 are positioned by the end user in a desired location on amedia device interface display 199. The interface display 199 may bechosen from among standard structural materials such as, for example,aluminum, stainless steel, or plastic. In the Presently preferredembodiments, the interface display 199 is a liquid crystal display(LCD).

In the case of interface display 199 as an LCD, a number of labelsand/or other identifying and instructive information for the interfacecomponents 107, 108, and/or 109 may be added by the user through aninput (not shown) or may be preloaded in the form of one or more skins(explained below). For example, when coupling an individual component107, a prompt is automatically displayed on the interface display 199which requests that the user chose a function for dedicating to thatcomponent 107, for example volume control. By choosing the volumecontrol, the user dedicates that component 107, to volume control andthe word “Volume” is preferably displayed next to the component 107.

In some other embodiments, the components 107, 108, and/or 109automatically communicate a dedicated function to the display 199, suchthat the display automatically depicts its function on the LCD when itis coupled with the interface display 199.

The interface components control a particular function and/or anauxiliary component of the media device. In some embodiments of theinvention, positional data is output from the interface component and iscommunicated to the device. The positional data is then translated intoa signal that is used to control the particular device or function. Forexample, a scalar value representing the absolute angular position of aknob within its rotational range is detected and is then associated witha particular device or function. Various means for the determination ofinterface component position are explained below.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the customizable interface components 107,108, and 109 are secured against the interface display surface,preferably by magnets (not shown). Specifically, the interfacecomponents 107, 108, and 109 are visible and accessible to the end useron the user side of the interface display surface 199 and are eachmatched by a magnetically attracted control component on the backside ofthe interface display surface 199.

Determination of Interface Component Position

The angular position of a knob, or linear position of a slider, may bedetermined in any of several different ways. For example, a grid ofsensors and a set of reflective markings can be used to determine theposition of the interface components. According to these embodiments, aset of sensors are positioned around the perimeter of the interfacedisplay surface. Additionally, the interface components include a set ofreflective marks used by the sensors. The sensors detect the position ofmarkings placed on the edges of the interface components. For example,markings reflective at IR wavelengths may be applied to the perimeter ofa knob and, when illuminated by IR emitters proximal to the sensors,used to determine the angular position of the knob. Patterned markings(e.g. variations in spacing or thickness) can uniquely identify the knobfrom among other knobs on the interface display surface.

Alternatively, the position of an interface component can be determinedby the interface display surface directly. For example, the informationgathered by the scanning elements within an optical scanning display canbe analyzed to determine the translational and rotational position of aknob based on patterned markings on the surface of the knob closest tothe display. An example of such an optical scanning display is achievedby a compact multi-touch panel developed by Sharp ElectronicsCorporation, located in Romeoville, Ill., the panel having anapproximate 1-mm depth with an optical sensor integrated into eachpixel.

In some other embodiments, one or more pairs of orthogonal Hall effectsensors may be placed within a control component located behind theinterface display surface, and a magnet may be placed within aninterface component. The magnet within the interface component producesa magnetic field that varies as the interface component is rotated orotherwise displaced. The orthogonal sensors measure these variations inthe magnetic field to determine the orientation of the magnet andtherefore the rotational position of the knob. According to theseembodiments, the determined position of each knob is preferablytransmitted wirelessly back to a processor or directly to the associateddevice or function. Various means for wireless communication include,but are nor limited to an RF signal, an IEEE 802.11 protocol signal anda Bluetooth® signal.

In some embodiments of the invention an LCD is used as the interfacedisplay surface. The LCD displays a regular pattern beneath the knob,which can be analyzed by an optical sensor within the knob to determinethe knob's angular position, using techniques similar to those used byoptical mice. According to these embodiments, the determined position ofeach knob is preferably transmitted wirelessly back to a processor ordirectly to the associated device or function.

While explicit examples of position determination means are provided, itwill be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art havingthe benefit of this disclosure that a wide variety of positiondetermination means, now known or later developed, could be equallyapplicable to yield same or similar results.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the mechanical rotation of the knobby a user generates inductive power for one or more optical encoderslocated in the control component that is behind the control panelsurface. A voltage is induced that is used to power an encoder. Theencoder then determines the rotational position of the knob. Accordingto these embodiments, the determined position of each knob is preferablytransmitted wirelessly back to a processor or directly to the associateddevice or function.

FIG. 2A is a schematic side view of a knob apparatus 208 removably andmagnetically coupled to an interface display 299, as well as acorresponding encoder apparatus 220 that is positioned on the oppositeside of the interface display 299. According to some embodiments, theknob apparatus 208 comprises a knob 210 which rotates within a knobhousing 209 within one or more bearings 211. One or more magnets 212 aredisposed within the knob 210, such that the magnets 212 rotate with theknob 210. In some embodiments, the magnets 212 are mounted flush withthe bottom surface of the knob 210. In some embodiments of theinvention, the knob 210 and magnets 212 are disposed such that a gap 213exists between the magnets 212 and the bottom surface of the knob 210and the interface display surface 299. According to these embodiments,the movement of the knob 210 and the magnets 212 will not damage theinterface display surface 299.

To further guard against damage to the interface display surface, someembodiments of the invention incorporate a transparent protective layerbetween the interface components and the interface display surface. Forexample, a thin acrylic or polycarbonate sheet can be affixed to theinterface display surface. The sheet protects the potentially delicatesurface (e.g, in the case of an LCD) from damage by contact from themoving surfaces and edges of the interface components. In thoseembodiments in which the interface display comprised an LCD, the sheetadditionally mitigates impairments to the rendered image caused bycompression of the liquid crystal material during operation of theinterface components.

The encoder apparatus 220 is disposed opposite of the knob apparatus 208through the interface display surface 299. The encoder comprises anencoder housing 221 that encases an encoder body 222 that has one ormore magnets 223 disposed within. As shown, the magnets 223 are flushmounted in the encoder body 222. The encoder body 222 rotates within theencoder housing 221 within one or more bearings 225. Also on the encoderbody 222 are encoder markings 224. An offset 298 is disposed between themagnets 223 and the interface display surface 299, such that the magnets223 can not damage the interface display surface 299 as they move. Insome embodiments, the magnets 223 are fully embedded within the encoderbody 222 such that the gap 298 exists between the encoder body 222 andthe interface display surface 299.

The knob apparatus 208 and the encoder apparatus 220 are configured suchthat the magnets 212 and 223 magnetically couple the knob apparatus 208to the encoder apparatus 220 through the interface display surface 299.The magnets 212 also relay an angular displacement of the knob 210 tothe encoder body 222 within the encoder apparatus 220. As such, theencoder markings 224 are displaced as the knob rotates.

Also within the encoder housing 221 are an emitter 226 and a detector227. The emitter 226 and the detector 227 establish the position of theencoder body 222 by determining the position of the encoder markings224.

In some embodiments of the invention, this position information iscommunicated through a housing shaft 228 to an umbilical cord 229 and toa processor (not shown). In some other embodiments, the positioninformation is communicated wirelessly.

FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of a processing circuit 230 for aninterface display 231, including a knob apparatus 208 and an encoderapparatus 220 according to some embodiments of the invention. Asexplained above, the encoder apparatus 220 detects rotationalinformation from the knob apparatus 208 and communicates it to aprocessor 232. As shown, the encoder apparatus 220 wirelesslycommunicates the knob apparatus' angular position to the processor 232.The processor 232 is coupled to a memory device 233, as well as variousother audio/visual components such as a GPS receiver 234, a stereoreceiver 235 having connected speakers 236, or an auxiliary component237, among others now known or later developed. In some embodiments ofthe invention, the processor 232 is coupled directly to the interfacedisplay 231 for communicating display information.

FIG. 2C is a schematic side view of an alternative encoder apparatus200′ according to some embodiments of the invention. The encoderapparatus 200′ comprises an encoder 242 housed within a bracket 244 andcoupled to adapter 240 via a shaft 243. The shaft is fit with a bushing245 and the adapter 240 is coupled to the shaft via a set screw 246. Theadapter 240 is configured with a plurality of magnets 241 thatmagnetically couple with a corresponding knob apparatus (not shown). Theencoder apparatus has an offset 249 such that the adapter 240 does notdirectly contact a display surface (not shown). According to theseembodiments, the bracket 244 and adapter 240 can be retrofit to most anyexisting encoder apparatuses.

In those embodiments of the invention incorporating a rotating magnetplaced behind the display, force feedback and/or damping sensations maybe provided to the knob in front of the display. One method of providingdamping comprises enclosing the knob or encoder body within a viscousfluid.

Specific Implementation of a Re-Configurable Interface

As explained above, the mechanical rotation of a knob by a usergenerates power that is provided to an optical encoder which is locatedbehind the interface display. The positional information determined bythe encoder is transmitted wirelessly back to a processor. In someembodiments, the encoder on the backside of the interface display may beconnected to a power supply and a processor by an umbilical cord. Theumbilical cord provides power to the encoder and carries the encodermeasurements back to the processing unit.

FIG. 3A is a schematic side view of a specific implementation of areconfigurable interface display 300 that uses a plurality of encoderapparatuses 399. The encoder apparatuses 399 are configured to couplewith knobs (not shown) through the interface display 301 as explainedabove. Additionally, the encoder apparatuses 399 are kept in placeagainst the interface display 301 using T-slots 398. The T-slots 398keep the encoder apparatuses 399 from falling off the backside of theinterface display 301 when the knob is removed. Each encoder apparatus399 is coupled to an umbilical cord 395. In some embodiments, theT-slots extend into the page the whole width of the interface display.Additional T-slots (not shown) extend in the vertical dimension (betweenthe bottom and top of the interface display) to create an intersectinggrid of T-slots. According to these embodiments, the encoder apparatuses399 (and therefore the corresponding knobs) can be moved around theinterface display 301 in a two-dimensional grid pattern.

FIG. 3B is a schematic, exploded isometric view of an interface display301 having a backing grid of encoder apparatuses 389. According to theseembodiments, a plurality of interface components (not shown) areremovably coupled to the interface display 301 according to the patternof the grid of encoder apparatuses 389, such that one or more individualencoder apparatuses 399 communicate rotational and/or other movementinformation to a processor (not shown). According to FIG. 3B, theinterface display 301 comprises an LCD.

In some embodiments of the invention, the interface display 301 displaysa representation of an empty grid of boxes 375. According to theseembodiments, the empty boxes 375 indicate an available location for aninterface component to be placed. In some embodiments, each box 375 isassigned with the ability to control one particular function. Forexample, a particular box 375 may be assigned with the ability tocontrol the volume level of a multimedia device to which the controlinterface 301 is coupled. According to these embodiments, a prepackagedskin is displayed on the control interface 301 to indicate which box 375controls which function.

Implementation Examples

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate two examples of customizable andreconfigurable virtual instrument panels that use a grid of encoders.FIG. 4A illustrates a controllable interface display 401 and a grid ofencoders 489 that are configured to control a radio (not shown). Thecontrollable interface display 401 includes a number of dedicatedcontrols 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, and 410 that controlcertain aspects of the radio. Furthermore, a number of interfacecomponents 411, 412, and 413 are removably coupled to the interfacedisplay 401. Each of these interface components 411, 412, and 413 can beconfigured to control another function of the radio. The interfacedisplay 401 also displays information 420 such as current radio stationsetting, and includes virtual level dials 421, 422, and 423 that areused to indicate a current position of the interface component 411, 412,or 413 within a function range. For example, as shown the information420 indicates that the tuner is presently set to an FM station 91.50MHz. Because the interface component 411 is presently dedicated to tunethe radio station, an indication is shown on virtual level dial 421 atthis point where the present station (91.50 FM) falls within thespectrum of available stations.

FIG. 4B illustrates another example of a controllable interface display401′ according to some embodiments of the invention. According to FIG.4B, the controllable interface display 401′ and corresponding grid ofencoders 489′ control the function of a global positioning systemapparatus (GPS). As shown, the controllable interface display 401′displays a GPS map 422′. Furthermore, interface components 411′, 412′,and 413′ are configured to control various functions of the GPSapparatus, such as panning, zooming, and rotating.

Although specific implementations are explicitly disclosed in FIGS. 4Aand 4B, it will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in theart having the benefit of this disclosure that a wide variety offunctions controlled through interfaces, now known or later developed,are able to take advantage of the present invention.

Examples of Specific Reconfigurable Interface Controls

As explained above, reconfigurable knobs are used to control a devicethrough an interface display surface. FIG. 5A is a side and frontschematic view of a knob 501 according to some embodiments of theinvention. The knob's 501 position is determinable via a variety ofways, as explained above. Other means for controlling a knob 501 will bereadily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art having thebenefit of this disclosure.

In some embodiments of the invention, one or more removable andreconfigurable buttons are used to control a device. FIG. 5B illustratesa side and front view of a button 502 according to some embodiments ofthe invention. The button comprises a base 503 and a substantiallyresilient depressible cover 504.

In some embodiments of the invention, the button 502 is implemented inconjunction with a transmitting and receiving antenna located within acontrol apparatus (not shown) on the backside of the display surface(not shown). The button comprises an LC circuit within the base 503 ofthe button on the front side of the display surface. The antennatransmits an RF signal at the resonant frequency of the LC circuit,thereby establishing a “ringing” within the LC circuit. The antenna isconfigured to listen to hear if the LC circuit is ringing. When the userpresses the button 502, the LC circuit is shorted and no ringing ispossible. If no ringing is heard by the antenna, the button 502 isdetermined to be depressed. The control apparatus then communicates thatthe button has been actuated to the device that the button is configuredto control. Although a specific example of button control is explicitlydisclosed, it will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill inthe art having the benefit of this disclosure, that numerous otherbutton control implementations are able to be taken advantage of toyield similar results.

In some embodiments of the invention, a slider control is used as aninterface component to control one or more device, such as a mediadevice. FIG. 5C is a schematic top and side view of a slider 505 controlaccording to some embodiments of the invention. The slider 505 comprisesa base 506 and a sliding handle 507. In some embodiments of theinvention, one or more sliders 505 are controlled with one or moreencoders as explained below.

FIG. 6A is a schematic isometric representation of the front side of anLCD interface display 600 having a plurality of interface componentscomprising a plurality of slider handles 610, 620, and 630 and aplurality of knobs 640, 650, and 660. According to FIG. 6A, the sliderhandle 630 is raised to an elevated position relative to the sliderstarting position at which the slider handles 610 and 620 are shown.

FIG. 6B is a schematic isometric representation of the backside of theLCD interface display 600. In some embodiments, a group of controlcomponents 611, 621, and 631 are positioned on the backside of theinterface display for magnetic coupling to slider handles 610, 620 and630 on the front side of the interface display, as desired by the user.

As shown, the backside of the interface display 600 contains the controlcomponents 611, 621, and 631, which magnetically, and/or inductivelycouple with the slider handles 610, 620, and 630. In some embodiments,the control components 611, 621, and 631 are the moving elements withinlinear encoders 613, 623, 633 (shown in phantom). According to theseembodiments, the control components 611, 621, and 631 determine theposition of the handles 610, 620, and 630. It will be apparent to thosewith ordinary skill in the relevant art having the benefit of thisdisclosure that various other means for determining the position of thehandles 610, 620, and 630, now known or later developed can beimplemented to accomplish the invention.

Spring fixtures 612, 622, and 632 are also disposed below the controlcomponents 611, 621, and 631 and couple with the control components 611,621, and 631, respectively. The spring fixtures include springs andconfigured to cause the control components 611, 612, and 613 to returnto a rest position when magnetically de-coupled from the handles 610,620, and 630. In some other embodiments gravity accomplishes returningthe control components 611, 612, and 613 to their rest positions.

In some other embodiments, a group of linear encoders are configuredhorizontally on the back side of a display interface. The linearencoders include control components having rest positions at the left orright edge of the display interface. According to these embodiments, auser can place a handle at various vertical positions on the displayinterface and slide them horizontally. In other embodiments, a group oflinear encoders are disposed in a grid for tracking both horizontal andvertical motion of the control component through the grid. According tothese embodiments, a magnetic slider handle placed on the front side ofthe display interface magnetically couples with the control component.Moving the slider handle causes the control component to move throughthe grid. This motion is tracked by the linear encoders and serves as atwo-dimensional control input.

Other Variations of Interface Component Control

In some other embodiments of the invention, users purchase specificinterface components to extend the functionality of the controlleddevice. Each interface component is equipped with a passive RFID chip.An excitation coil behind the display provides power to the RFID chips,and the transmitted RFID is a key that identifies the interfacecomponent and unlocks the desired functionality. (That is, thecontrolled device is capable of the functionality upon manufacture, butthe functionality is locked until an appropriate interface component isdetected.) Key pairs allow a specific interface component to beprogrammed for use on a specific device, thus preventing the sharing ortheft of interface components that extend functionality.

Preferably, an excitation coil and RFID receiver are located within orvery near each control component to which an interface component can bemagnetically coupled. Additionally, the transmitting antenna within theinterface component preferably shapes the transmitted RFID signal suchthat it is only receivable by the receiver within the most proximalcontrol component. These localization techniques allow each controlcomponent to determine the identity of the individual interfacecomponent to which it is coupled and, therefore, how the positioninformation determined by the control component signal should beinterpreted. For example, if an interface component containing an RFIDindicating that it is a volume knob is attached to an encoder, theoutput from the encoder is used to control the volume.

In another variation of the invention, the front side of the display maybe fitted with a touch sensing technology, for example a capacitive oran infrared breakbeam, that allows the position of the attached knobs tobe determined directly. If combined with the RFID localizationtechniques, the interface displayed beneath the knobs can be adjustedautomatically. For example, a “VOLUME” label and scale may be placedbehind the sensed location of a knob, identifying it to the user as avolume knob.

In another variation of the invention, the advantages of reconfigurableand customizable interface components are synergistically combined withthe advantages of speech recognition technology to yield extremely userfriendly interfaces. For example a media device having an LCD interfacemay be configured with the reconfigurable interface components andspeech recognition functionality. According to these embodiments, a userdeclares an intended function of an interface component as the physicalcomponent is placed onto the LCD interface. The previous example isespecially beneficial when the user is not presently able to look at theinterface to configure the appropriate control with the desiredfunction. Therefore, these particular embodiments particularly lendthemselves automobile interface applications.

Reconfigurable and Customizable Automobile Interface

As explained above, it is extremely useful to implement thereconfigurable and customizable interface applications of the inventionin an automobile, such that a driver can easily control a media device,a GPS device, or the like. FIG. 7 illustrates a control interface 701for a multimedia device having an LCD interface display 702 within thedashboard 710 of an automobile, and configured to be controlled usingremovable, reconfigurable and customizable interface components 703,704, and 705.

FIG. 7 also illustrates a pool 799 of knobs 797 integrated into thecenter console 798 of the automobile. The pool 799 of knobs 797comprises a stash of knobs 797 that could be grabbed as new interfacecomponents are needed for the interface. According to some embodimentsof the invention, the pool 799 of knobs 797 is positioned such that adriver can easily access a new knob 797 without averting his eyes fromthe road.

Reconfigurable Instrument Indicators

In some embodiments of the invention, changes in the attributescontrolled by the interface components are communicated to and displayedon the interface display. Specifically, the control components aredriven and thereby cause a magnetically coupled interface component tomove, thus indicating the changed status of the attribute. In someembodiments, a knob and encoder apparatus are located on opposite sidesof an interface display, as explained in FIG. 2A above, and the encoderbody may be driven to adjust the rotational position of the knob. Insome embodiments of the invention, the knob on the front side of theinterface display is fitted with an indicator, e.g. a needle. As theencoder body on the backside of the interface display is moved, theindicator on the front side of the interface display moves therewithsimultaneously. An interface display such as an LCD may be used to placean appropriate scale behind the indicator.

Customizable Appearance Themes/Skins

In some embodiments of the invention, a driver specifies characteristicssuch as the color, size, and font of the alphanumeric data displayed onthe control panel. Notably, the font may be increased for drivers orpassengers with below average visual acuity. Similarly, the shape andsize of the soft controls may be specified. For convenience, predefinedsets of controls may be selected as themes or skins.

Further, background images may be placed on the instrument panel indigital form, such as pictures of family, pictures of familiar places,corporate logos, and/or advertisements. Slide show functionality similarto computer screen savers can be selected. Instrument panel skins canalso be offered. The invention is applicable to nearly any instrument,such as speedometers, odometers, fuel and temperature gauges, radios,and others.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate an assortment of various skins for a multimediadevice interface display according to some embodiments of the invention.FIG. 8A illustrates an equalizer themed skin 801 that comprises adisplay of various frequency response controls 802. According to someembodiments of the invention, a removable handle 803 adjusts the gain ata particular frequency when the user magnetically couples the handle 803to the control component (not shown) corresponding to that frequency,and slides the handle 803 to a desired position.

FIG. 8B illustrates a balance/fade themed skin 811 according to someembodiments of the invention. As shown, a number of boxes 812 arerepresented on an interface display 813. The boxes 812 represent variousspeaker outputs for an exemplary audio system, i.e. sub-woofer, frontleft speaker, front right speaker, center speaker, rear left speaker,and rear right speaker. According to these embodiments, a user places aknob (not shown) on an individual box 812 to adjust the relative levelof an attribute, i.e. volume, for an individual speaker corresponding tothat box 812.

FIG. 8C illustrates a radio tuner themed skin 821 that displays tunerinformation 820, such as a current radio station setting, and that alsodisplays a virtual level dial 823 which indicates the determinedposition of an interface component 824.

As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the invention maybe embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit oressential characteristics thereof. Likewise, the particular naming anddivision of the members, features, attributes, and other aspects are notmandatory or significant, and the mechanisms that implement theinvention or its features may have different names, divisions and/orformats. Accordingly, the disclosure of the invention is intended to beillustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which isset forth in the following Claims.

1. An instrument control apparatus comprising: an interface surface thatis used to interface with at least one electronic application; at leastone interface component removably coupled to the interface surface; atleast one control component electronically coupled to the at least oneelectronic application and configured to control at least one functionof the electronic application, wherein the at least one interfacecomponent is remotely coupled to the at least one control component,wherein manipulation of the at least one interface component provides ameans for controlling the at least one function of the electronicapplication.
 2. The instrument control apparatus of claim 1, wherein theinterface component is remotely coupled to the at least one controlcomponent through the interface surface.
 3. The instrument controlapparatus of claim 1, wherein the interface surface comprises a liquidcrystal display (LCD).
 4. The instrument control apparatus of claim 1,wherein the interface surface displays content relating to at least onefunction of the electronic application.
 5. The instrument controlapparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic application comprises astereo receiver coupled to an audio output.
 6. The instrument controlapparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic application comprises anaudiovisual receiver coupled to an audio output, wherein the interfacesurface comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD), and wherein the LCD isconfigured as a video output.
 7. The instrument control apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the electronic application comprises a GlobalPositioning System (GPS) apparatus.
 8. The instrument control apparatusof claim 1, wherein the interface surface is disposed within thedashboard of an automobile and wherein the at least one controlcomponent is positioned behind the interface surface, wherein a drivercouples the at least one interface component to the interface surface tomanipulate at least one electronic application of the automobile.
 9. Theinstrument control apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least oneinterface component further comprises: a component body having a turningknob with an inner cavity; and one or more component magnets disposedwithin the inner cavity; wherein the at least one control component alsoincludes an encoder comprising: an encoder body having an encodercavity; one or more encoder magnets disposed within the encoder body,wherein the one or more component magnets magnetically couple with theone or more encoder magnets through the interface surface; a means forcommunicating encoder data to a processor, wherein the processortranslates the encoder data into control data indicating how thecomponent body was manipulated, wherein at least one function of theapplication is controlled by the control data.
 10. The instrumentcontrol apparatus of claim 1, wherein motion of at least one of the atleast one interface component inductively powers at least one of the atleast one control components.
 11. The instrument control apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the processor is coupled to at least one output. 12.The instrument control apparatus of claim 1, further comprising aplurality of interface components wherein at least one of the interfacecomponent includes an antenna for emitting a unique radio frequencyidentification, wherein at least one of the control components includesa receiver and a means for recognizing a radio frequency identificationsuch that a control component is configured to identify a particularinterface component based on the recognized radio frequencyidentification, and wherein the function of the interface component isdetermined by its unique radio frequency identification.
 13. Theinstrument control apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a pluralityof interface components, wherein the plurality of control components arearranged in a grid pattern.
 14. The instrument control apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the interface surface displays a representation of agrid to indicate the position of the plurality of control componentssuch that a user is able to place interface components in an appropriatelocation upon the grid.
 15. The instrument control apparatus of claim 1,wherein the at least one interface component further comprises a pushbutton component.
 16. The instrument control apparatus of claim 1,wherein the at least one interface component further comprises a slidercomponent.
 17. The instrument control apparatus of claim 2, furthercomprising: means for returning each of the at least one controlcomponent to a predetermined resting position upon decoupling theinterface component from the interface surface.
 18. The instrumentcontrol apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a processor forcontrolling the electronic application and a memory, wherein the memorystores one or more function templates for display on the interfacesurface, the function template comprising a means for presenting whereinterface components are meant to be placed upon the interface surfaceand a means for presenting a default function of the interfacecomponents.
 19. The instrument control apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising a protective film disposed on the interface surface, suchthat the at least one interface component does not damage the interfacesurface upon coupling with the interface surface or upon movement overthe interface surface.
 20. A method of controlling a device withreconfigurable interface components comprising: providing an interfacesurface with a first side and a second side; coupling at least onecontrol component for controlling a device with the second side of theinterface surface; coupling at least one interface component to thefirst side of the interface surface; manipulating the at least onecontrol component through movement of the at least one interfacecomponent, thereby controlling the device.
 21. The method of claim 20,further comprising: displaying information relating to the function ofthe at least one control component on the first side of the interfacesurface.
 22. The method of claim 20, wherein the at least one controlcomponent comprises an optical encoder, the method further comprising:creating a field of electromagnetic radiation around the at least oneinterface component; providing an inductive means within the at leastone control component; moving the at least one interface component,thereby inducing a voltage in the at least one control component;powering the control component using the voltage.
 23. The method ofclaim 20, wherein the at least one control component comprises a linearencoder with a moving magnetic control means, wherein the at least oneinterface component comprises a magnetic slider handle, the methodfurther comprising: coupling the magnetic slider handle with themagnetic control means through the interface surface; sliding the sliderhandle, thereby causing the magnetic control means to move within thelinear encoder; determining the position of the magnetic control meanswithin the linear encoder, thereby forming positional data; andcontrolling the device using the positional data.